Located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Tonopah Residence Complex is a six-story residence building and home to the Office of Housing Services. In the lobby, air-circulation problems were making conditions uncomfortable for the dozen employees who work there and the continuous stream of students who pass through to pay bills or make housing inquiries.

The 900-sq-ft, open-air lobby is designed with a balcony. The air-handling system was unable to address the vertical temperature discrepancy within the 16-ft-high space.

"I knew fans would help the situation, but I didn’t think typical small fans would do the trick," HVAC specialist Jim Stinar said.

The installation of an 8-ft Isis fan from Big Ass Fan Co. provided the needed air movement and helped regulate temperatures throughout the space.

"It moves a lot of air very slowly, which helps break up little pockets of air," Stinar said. "Plus, the variable speeds allow us to adjust the air movement on any given day."

Though large and powerful, Isis fans are energy-efficient because they use relatively small motors. The fans can be kept running 24 hr a day at a cost of pennies per hour.

The patented airfoil and winglet combination provides air movement year-round for facilities of any size. During summer, air movement provided by the fans allows increased thermostat set points; during winter, the fans aid in reducing a building’s heating energy use. This wintertime energy reduction is achieved by circulating heat trapped at the ceiling level down to occupants.

It's business as usual at the housing office, Stinar said. Working with the existing air-handling system, the Isis fan provides air movement and regulates temperatures within the two-story lobby area, improving comfort.